What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

The main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay is to clearly articulate the writer's main argument or point of view. This statement serves as a roadmap for the essay, providing readers with an understanding of the central idea that the writer intends to convey and argue throughout the text. A strong thesis statement not only expresses the main claim but also often reflects the significance of that claim, setting the stage for the supporting arguments that will follow.

In contrast, other options do not capture the primary role of a thesis statement. While a summary of the essay may be mentioned in different forms, it is not the essence of what a thesis statement conveys. Similarly, introducing background information can provide context for the argument but is not the function of the thesis statement itself. Lastly, while outlining the structure of the essay contributes to organizing the content, the thesis statement fundamentally focuses on the argument, guiding the reader's expectations about what the writer will explore and support.